LEONARDTOWN, MD – A Maryland man is facing multiple charges after disrupting Christmas Eve services at two St. Mary’s County churches, alarming parishioners and endangering public safety. Thomas Campbell Bolling Von Goetz, 56, of Avenue, was arrested on December 26, 2024, following the incidents.
Disruptions at Two Churches
The first disruption occurred at Holy Angels Catholic Church at approximately 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve. During the Mass, Von Goetz entered the church, approached the altar, and dropped an onion on the aisle, startling attendees and disturbing the service. A concerned parishioner followed him outside to make sure he was leaving the premises. Once outside, Von Goetz escalated the situation by throwing tangerines at this parishioner, leading to a brief scuffle.
Later on the same night, during the Midnight Mass at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Leonardtown, Von Goetz created an even more alarming scene. Witnesses reported he poured whiskey directlyinto the church’s holy water and made threats to harm those attending the service. Churchgoers tried to intervene and escort him away from the scene, but Von Goetz attempted to strike several individuals with the whiskey bottle before they managed to detain him until deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office arrived.
Charges Filed
Following the disturbances, deputies arrested Von Goetz on December 26, charging him with multiple offenses, including second-degree assault, disorderly conduct, defacing religious property, religious crime against a group, obstructing a religious exercise, threat of mass violence, and disturbing the peace. He was taken to MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital for medical evaluation prior to being booked at the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center, where he is awaiting his appearance before a District Court Commissioner.
Community Reaction and Legal Implications
The incidents have stunned the local community, particularly because they occurred during the typically sacred time of Christmas Eve services. Disrupting religious gatherings is not taken lightly, as Maryland laws impose enhanced penalties for crimes directed at religious institutions or groups. The Sheriff’s Office has reassured the community of its commitment to maintaining safety and order, especially within places of worship.
Officials have urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behavior. Although authorities have not disclosed any specific motive for Von Goetz’s alarming actions, the unpredictability and nature of the disruptions have left many community members shaken.
Public Assistance
Anyone with additional information relating to these incidents is encouraged to reach out to the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office. Community cooperation could prove invaluable as local authorities continue to assess the situation and enforce safety protocols within their jurisdictions.
Overall, these events serve as a reminder of the need for vigilance, especially during times when communities come together for shared traditions and celebrations. The security and peace of congregants must remain prioritized, especially within the sacred spaces they hold dear.
